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Attached and Apart: Attachment Styles and Self-Disclosure in Long-Distance Romantic Relationships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 August 2020

Joshua R. Hammonds Open the ORCID record for Joshua R. Hammonds [Opens in a new window] ,
Elizabeth Ribarsky Open the ORCID record for Elizabeth Ribarsky [Opens in a new window]  and
Guilherme Soares
Joshua R. Hammonds*
Affiliation:
Department of Communication, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, USA
Elizabeth Ribarsky
Affiliation:
Department of Communication, Illinois University Springfield, Springfield, Illinois, USA
Guilherme Soares
Affiliation:
Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, New York, USA
*
Address for correspondence: Joshua R. Hammonds, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, FL32789 Email: jhammonds@rollins.edu
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Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to examine attachment style effects on self-disclosure, trust, satisfaction, and uncertainty levels of individuals in long-distance romantic relationships (LDRRs) who utilise technologically mediated communication channels as a primary means of daily interaction with their romantic partners. Participants (N = 211) from 27 countries who maintained committed romantic relationships (M = 3 years) with geographical separation (M = 1042 miles, Mdn = 160 miles) were surveyed. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), 7 of the 8 hypotheses were supported, showing that attachment style and self-disclosure predict relational uncertainty, trust, and relational satisfaction. In examining the distinctions between attachment styles (i.e., secure, preoccupied, fearful-avoidant, and dismissive) three models were developed and confirmed with good fit. The implications of the study suggest how both attachment style and self-disclosure influence the overall success of LDRRs.

Keywords

attachment theoryattachment stylesself-disclosurelong-distance romantic relationshipsinterpersonal communication
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 11 , 2020 , e10
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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